2014 GETS EVEN BETTER: FOUR MORE NEW MACHINES

2014 is continuing to shape up as an exciting year for scootering. In addition to the bounty of 2014 models already discussed, four more new scooters on their way. Three of these models have been tempting North Americans from overseas markets for several years, so their delayed launch here comes with a sigh of relief as we’d begin to doubt they’d ever arrive.The longest overseas hold out is the Suzuki Burgman 200, which has been on sale elsewhere since 2007. In recent weeks it has received approval for sale in the USA, so we can expect the official announcement at any time. The Burgman 200 offers maxi scooter amenities in a far more affordable and fuel sipping package than its larger siblings. The 200 isn’t quite comfortable on the open road (top speed is 70-75mph) but

it can hold its own if you don’t try sneak a passenger on the back. It’s great to see Suzuki bringing in more affordable options for people without five figures to spend on a scooter.Also eyeing the North American market in recent years with some trepidation has been Aprilia’s SR Motard and Kymco’s MyRoad 700i. Aprilia Global initially announced the SR Motard for North America a couple years ago before changing their mind and releasing its Piaggio branded twin - the Typhoon - here instead. Finally for 2014 Aprilia gets new SR Motard for their North American showrooms (USA & Canada). Aprilia has opted to bring in the 4-stroke 50cc version, which means mediocre power and excellent milage. MSRP for the SR Motard 50 is an impressively affordable $1999. On the other end of the displacement spectrum is Kymco’s MyRoad 700i,

which takes maxi scooter opulence a step beyond their Xciting 500 model. The MyRoad 700i is a zero compromises highway devouring touring machine, which isn’t for the faint of heart or frail of wallet. The USA MSRP has been announced at $9699, and make sure you’ve got some extra leftover for fuel which likely be consumed around 35-40 mpg.Lastly, Vespa’s magnum opus - the 946 - makes its debut this fall. Vespa has poured all their innovative ideas into t

his model including traction control, ABS, aluminum bits, all new style and even hand sewn leather. It’s a flagship model that is only going to be produced in limited edition batches, with the first of them being called the Ricardo Italiano edition. Technically this is a 2013 model but Vespa’s had some trouble getting it to showrooms so rubber won’t hit the road until November. This flagship model isn’t cheap. Even though it’s a 150cc the price tag is heavier than Kymco’s MyRoad 700i. Vespa has set this limited edition scooter at $9946, which charges into uncharted pricing waters for a 150cc. It looks like there’s not very many coming, with dealers having just one opportunity to place a small order. None of this is news to potential buyers though - as anyone passionate enough to lay down for a 946 has been watching this story unfold since EICMA 2011.